On 01 March 2024, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced, effective on the day, the deletion of tariff subheadings 1604.20.30 (Other anchovies) and 1604.20.35 (Other sardines (pilchards) (Sardinops spp.) and sardinella (Sardinella spp.), minced, in airtight containers for human consumption) in Part 1 of Schedule No.1 to the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Ordinary Customs Duty); and the insertion under tariff heading 1604.20.3 (Other anchovies of tariff subheadings) tariff subheadings 1604.20.31 (Canned, minced anchovies); 1604.20.39 (Other); and 1604.20.45 (Other sardines (pilchards) (Sardinops spp.) and sardinella (Sardinella spp.), minced, in airtight containers for human consumption) ad valorem in order to give effect to the Ministerial Directive to reduce the ‘General’ rate of customs duty on canned minced anchovies from 25% ad valorem to a specific duty of 6c/kg.
The reasoning is contained in the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) Report No.719.